The adventures of a single woman who combines ministry with parenting a special needs young adult.

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Drama

I woke up a little after 3:00 this morning, and at 4:00 I gave up on the idea of going back to sleep and got into the shower. I was at the church a little before 7:00, and began writing the newsletter articles that came out of last night's board meeting. I have an awesome board. A service group is building apartments for senior citizens next to the church. They have asked me to do a prayer at the ground breaking. I told the board I had offered the church for a reception following the ceremony, and they asked when it would be. When I told them, they said, "Let's do a luncheon." People immediately volunteered to coordinate it.

Anyway, I was at the church early, getting started on the tasks of the day. Today Administrative Assistant was in for the first time since my vacation, and of course the stream of people stopping by to check in continued. There are a number of things happening, and there are also a number of sick people needing attention. Daughter called several times. The second time she "just wanted to talk." I was trying to finish some things with Administrative Assistant so I could go pick up a member to call on a woman who is in rehab after a serious fall with multiple broken bones. I told her I was busy.

She proceeded to send Sister a text telling her that since I'd gone back to work I didn't care about her anymore and didn't have time to talk to her. Sister handled it well, telling her it was natural she'd miss me more after the extra time with me while I was on vacation. She also reminded her I'm always busy when I first start back. She then forwarded copies of all the texts to me. I finished the visit (on the other side of town) and dropped off the woman a little after 5:00. I then called Daughter. She was not very pleasant. I acted as though nothing was wrong. I got home, and after a quick supper headed out to mow the lawn. I sent Daughter a text like I always do, telling her I'd be mowing and wouldn't hear the phone, and would let her know when I was done.

She called almost immediately. "It's your lawn, why should I care if you're mowing it?" I reminded her I'd promised to text her when I was mowing so she wouldn't worry if I didn't answer the phone. She wasn't very pleasant. I again ignored the attitude. An hour later I texted her, "Done." She called and apologized. I reminded her that I don't like being this busy either. She has an appointment with Psychiatrist in the morning, and I reminded her (several times today) that I will see her there.

The drama was relatively minor and relatively short lived, so that's progress. It still gets frustrating, though, when she gets surly and rebels against the limits I set on my availability through the day. She is improving, so I'll celebrate that.

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About Me

I'm a pastor and a mother. I was ordained in October of 1985, and began serving this suburban congregation in October of 2010. In March of 1990 I was asked to take an almost 3 year old "for the weekend." Five years into the weekend I adopted her. Daughter carries a number of diagnoses: Reactive Attachment Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Central Auditory Processing Disorder, Bipolar, seizure disorder, and type 1 diabetes. She moved into a group home in November of 2011. She attends a sheltered workshop and sings in the church choir.

Followers

Important People and Places

Daughter became my foster child in 1990, shortly before she turned 3, and I adopted her when she was 8.

Capital is a state capital in the midwest. In October of 2010 I became pastor of a church on the edge of town.

Administrative Assistant is my keeper. She runs the office at the church, and at heart is an artist. She helps turn my crazy ideas into reality.

Program is where Daughter spends most of her days. She does some piece work and participates in some classes and activities. She'd like to get community employment, but still has some work to do to make that possible.

Sister Best Friend and I met in seminary. We vacationed together for a number of years, and then she got married. We still do some cooperative worship planning. She seves a church less than an hour away.

Far Away Sister is 4.5 years young than me. She lives across the country. She was an electrical engineer until she stayed home to raise Tall Niece and Nephew. Now that they are graduating, she is planning to become a high school math teacher.

Sister is 10 years young than me. She is divorced and the mother of Short Niece. She lives in the same state as Capital. She is a teacher.

Brother is 11 1/2 years younger than I am. He finally got married in February of 2009. He lives near Sister. They are the parents of Baby Nephew.